Statewide Iowa — House Speaker Pat Grassley suggests Plan 1 outlining new congressional and legislative district borders will be the sole focus of the October 5th special legislative session and no other bills with be voted upon.
Grassley, a Republican from New Hartford, says making a decision to vote “yes” or “no” on the first plan isn’t something that should be rushed.
Iowa’s redistricting process is unique from other states where the political parties in power draw new districts to benefit their party. The non-partisan Iowa Legislative Services Agency drew the district boundaries in Plan 1, based on criteria outlined in state law.
Grassley says while unanimous agreement among the 59 House Republicans would be nice, it’s unlikely.
Three public hearings were held last week and the vast majority of people who spoke or submitted written comments urged the legislature to approve this first redistricting plan.
Grassley made his comments this weekend on the “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS. If the legislature rejects Plan 1 for redistricting on October 5th, the Legislative Services Agency will go back to the drawing board and develop a second plan for lawmakers to consider.
